Scholarships available for keen rowers

SHIPLAKE College occupies a beautiful rural setting on the banks of the River Thames. With its own stretch of water just two-and-a-half miles upstream from the world-famous Henley Royal Regatta stretch, it is no surprise that the college has a thriving and successful boat club.

The college is nationally renowned for rowing with current and former pupils representing Great Britain, including Olympic medallists Will Satch and Ben Hunt-Davis. Shiplake is now seeking to develop a world-class rowing reputation.

There are about 140 members in the boat club who compete throughout the season, with highlights including the National Schools’ Regatta in May and the Henley Royal Regatta in July where the 1st VIII competes every year. The college has extensive facilities including numerous ergometers, a weights room and two boathouses containing an excellent fleet. Olympic rowing venue Dorney Lake is a short distance away, and is often used for training in addition to Shiplake’s own facilities. For the next academic year, the college is looking to recruit some promising male and female athletes to join the existing pool of exceptional talent and form crews which can excel at the very highest levels.

Rowing scholarships are available for Year 12 entry in September 2014, with successful applicants receiving a discount of 10 per cent of fees. The college governors are committed to broadening access to the school and where appropriate scholarships may be supplemented by further financial assistance.

Boys and girls at Shiplake receive elite coaching to help them realise their potential. Candidates will be expected to adopt a professional attitude towards their sport in order to make the most of the opportunities they are offered. In doing so, scholars will also become great role models for younger pupils in the college, inspiring their peers to reach similarly high standards in years to come.